Manchester United player ratings vs Burnley: Martial’s strike settles it for the Red Devils

A trip to Turf Moor is never a pleasant one and Jose Mourinho’s side got to know that the hard way today. In what was a dull first half, Manchester United scrapped their way past Burnley in the second half of the game and managed to pick up a narrow win. Sean Dyche made it tough by going with a compact defensive line and surprisingly pushed his team to go forward and attack. Jose would be happy with the three points and here we see how each player fared in the game:

Goal: Anthony Martial-54 (Assisted by Romelu Lukaku)

Manchester United player ratings

David de Gea: 7/10

Confident display; survived nervy moments and handled the deliveries into the box with his usual authority.

Antonio Valencia: 7/10

Resolute and commanding, as Valencia thwarted away any attacking move from the right wing. He made some runs ahead but held his end tight.

Phil Jones: 8/10

Easily one of the best, if not the best, amongst the defenders in England when fit. Jones did what he does best as he used his intelligence by making some crucial blocks and tackles inside the box.

Chris Smalling: 7/10

Smalling used his physical and aerial prowess to divert attacks as he helped his team go through some tense moments with his concentration. Well deserved clean sheet.

Ashley Young: 7/10

Young returned from his three-match suspension and was a lively figure on the left flank. The gaffer preferred him due to his superior experience and attacking prowess. Nutmegged his way inside the box and could have scored a memorable goal towards the end of the first half.

Nemanja Matic: 6/10

Had quite a lot of defensive work to do as Pogba was in the attack mode constantly. Matic had a couple of lapses in concentration, where he failed to read some passes into the box. However, he kept his calm and delivered a defensive work.

Paul Pogba: 7.5/10

Pogba bossed the midfield and made some telling runs into the other half. Could have been a touch more precise with his decision-making and tackles but was the focal point of all attacking moves.

Juan Mata: 6/10

Not much of creativity as Mata was overcrowded inside the box. He, however, showed his tenacity.

Jesse Lingard: 6/10

Anonymous for major chunks of the game as he struggled to find space and was often cramped for room near the box. Put in a shift and tracked back to help his defence at times.

Anthony Martial: 8/10

Exquisite. His finish for the goal was a touch of class as Martial assessed his options, sent Nick Pope the wrong way and powerfully shot the ball to his near post. Created chances with his mazy footwork and is certainly in a rich vein of form.

Romelu Lukaku: 7/10

Hassled three defenders, held on to the ball applying the physical aspect of his game, and then showed some good vision to pass the ball precisely to Martial to earn an assist to his name.

Substitutes

Marouane Fellaini: 6/10

Brought on to win aerial duels and made things hard for Burnley with his style of play at the centre of the park.

Marcus Rashford: 5/10

Needs to be aware of his teammates while being inside the box.

Ander Herrera: N.A

Came in to provide some more defensive cover in the injury time.